JO 7110.65 Air Traffic ControlJO 7110.65BB · Change 3 · Effective 7/9/2026
Chapter 7 · Section 4
Approaches
7 Paragraphs7-4-1–7-4-7
7-4-1 VISUAL APPROACH
A visual approach is an ATC authorization for an aircraft on an IFR flight plan to proceed visually and clear of clouds to the airport of intended landing. A visual approach is not a standard instrument approach procedure and has no missed approach segment. An aircraft unable to complete a landing from a visual approach must be handled as any go‐around and appropriate IFR separation must be provided until the aircraft lands or the pilot cancels their IFR flight plan.
At airports with an operating control tower, aircraft executing a go‐around may be directed to:
Enter the traffic pattern for landing. An altitude assignment is not required. The pilot is expected to climb to pattern altitude and is responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance. ATC must provide approved separation or visual separation from other IFR aircraft, or
Proceed as otherwise instructed by ATC. The pilot is expected to comply with assigned instructions, and responsible to maintain terrain and obstruction avoidance until reaching an ATC assigned altitude. ATC is responsible to provide instructions to the pilot to facilitate a climb to the minimum altitude for instrument operations. ATC must provide approved separation or visual separation from other IFR aircraft.
NOTE
The pilot is responsible for their own terrain and obstruction avoidance during a go‐around after conducting a visual approach. The facility can assign headings towards the lowest terrain and obstructions.
At airports without an operating control tower, aircraft executing a go-around are expected to complete a landing as soon as possible or contact ATC for further clearance. ATC must maintain approved separation from other IFR aircraft.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-4, Operational Priority. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-1-20, Wake Turbulence Cautionary Advisories. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 3-10-2, Forwarding Approach Information by Nonapproach Control Facilities. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-4-4, Approaches to Multiple Runways. FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 10-3-16, Go‐Around/Missed Approach and Non-Intersecting Converging Runway Operations. P/CG Term – Go‐around. AIM, Para 5-4-23, Visual Approach.
7-4-2 VECTORS FOR VISUAL APPROACH
A vector for a visual approach may be initiated if the reported ceiling at the airport of intended landing is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA and the visibility is 3 miles or greater. At airports without weather reporting service there must be reasonable assurance (e.g. area weather reports, PIREPs, etc.) that descent and flight to the airport can be made visually, and the pilot must be informed that weather information is not available.
PHRASEOLOGY
(Ident) FLY HEADING or TURN RIGHT/LEFT HEADING (degrees) VECTOR FOR VISUAL APPROACH TO (airport name). (If appropriate) WEATHER NOT AVAILABLE.
NOTE
At airports where weather information is not available, a pilot request for a visual approach indicates that descent and flight to the airport can be made visually and clear of clouds.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-9-1, Vectors to Final Approach Course. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-4-3, Clearance for Visual Approach. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-4-4, Approaches to Multiple Runways. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-6-7, Sequencing. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-7-3, Separation.
7-4-3 CLEARANCE FOR VISUAL APPROACH
ARTCCs and approach controls may clear aircraft for visual approaches using the following procedures:
NOTE
Towers may exercise this authority when authorized by a LOA with the facility that provides the IFR service, or by a facility directive at collocated facilities.
Controllers may initiate, or pilots may request, a visual approach even when an aircraft is being vectored for an instrument approach and the pilot subsequently reports:
The airport or the runway in sight at airports with operating control towers.
The airport in sight at airports without a control tower.
Resolve potential conflicts with all other aircraft, advise an overtaking aircraft of the distance to the preceding aircraft and speed difference, and ensure that weather conditions at the airport are VFR or that the pilot has been informed that weather is not available for the destination airport. Upon pilot request, advise the pilot of the frequency to receive weather information where AWOS/ASOS is available.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
INTERPRETATION
7110.65 7-4-3b, Clearance for Visual Approach and 4-7-10b(2), Approach Information (12-1-2014)
Clear an aircraft for a visual approach when:
The aircraft is number one in the approach sequence, or
At locations with an operating control tower, the aircraft is to follow a preceding aircraft and the pilot reports the preceding aircraft in sight and is instructed to follow it to the same runway, or
NOTE
The pilot need not report the airport/runway in sight.
At locations with an operating control tower, the pilot reports the airport or runway in sight but not the preceding aircraft. Radar separation must be maintained until visual separation is provided.
At locations without an operating control tower or where part‐time towers are closed, do not specify a runway when issuing a visual approach clearance, issue a visual approach clearance to the airport only.
PHRASEOLOGY
(at locations with an operating control tower) (Call sign) (control instructions as required) CLEARED VISUAL APPROACH RUNWAY number); or (at locations without an operating control tower) (Call sign) (control instructions as required) CLEARED VISUAL APPROACH TO (airport name) (and if appropriate) WEATHER NOT AVAILABLE or VERIFY THAT YOU HAVE THE (airport) WEATHER.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
Inform the trailing aircraft of the lead aircraft's manufacturer and/or model when wake turbulence separation is required.
EXAMPLE
“Cessna Three Four Juliet, following a heavy Boeing 747, 12 o'clock, seven miles.” or “Cessna Three Four Juliet, following a Seven‐Fifty‐Seven, 12 o'clock, four miles.”
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 2-4-21, Description of Aircraft Types. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 5-5-4, Minima, Subpara g.
NOTE
Visual separation is not authorized when the lead aircraft is a super.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-2-1, Visual Separation.
Inform the tower of the aircraft's position prior to communications transfer at controlled airports. STARS functions may be used provided a facility directive or LOA specifies control and communication transfer points.
In addition to the requirements of paragraph 7-4-2, Vectors for Visual Approach, and subparagraphs a, b, c, d, and e, ensure that the location of the destination airport is provided when the pilot is asked to report the destination airport in sight.
In those instances where airports are located in close proximity, also provide the location of the airport that may cause the confusion.
EXAMPLE
“Cessna Five Six November, Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport is at 12 o'clock, 5 miles. Cleveland Hopkins Airport is at 1 o'clock 12 miles. Report Cleveland Hopkins in sight.”
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-4-4, Approaches to Multiple Runways.
7-4-4 APPROACHES TO MULTIPLE RUNWAYS
All aircraft must be informed that approaches are being conducted to parallel, intersecting, or converging runways. This may be accomplished through use of the ATIS.
When conducting visual approaches to multiple runways ensure the following:
Do not permit the respective aircrafts' primary radar targets/fusion target symbols to touch unless visual separation is being applied.
When the aircraft flight paths intersect, ensure approved separation is maintained until visual separation is applied.
The following conditions apply to visual approaches being conducted simultaneously to parallel, intersecting, and converging runways, as appropriate:
Parallel runways separated by less than 2,500 feet. Unless approved separation is provided, an aircraft must report sighting a preceding aircraft making an approach (instrument or visual) to the adjacent parallel runway. When an aircraft reports another aircraft in sight on the adjacent extended runway centerline and visual separation is applied, controllers must advise the succeeding aircraft to maintain visual separation. Do not permit an aircraft to overtake another aircraft when wake turbulence separation is required.
Parallel runways separated by 2,500 feet but less than 4,300 feet.
When aircraft are approaching from opposite base legs, or one aircraft is turning to final and another aircraft is established on the extended centerline for the adjacent runway, approved separation is provided until the aircraft are:
Established on a heading or established on a direct course to a fix or cleared on an RNAV/ instrument approach procedure which will intercept the extended centerline of the runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees, and,
INTERPRETATION
7110.65 7-4-4, Approaches to Multiple Runways (8-14-2015)
One pilot has acknowledged receipt of a visual approach clearance and the other pilot has acknowledged receipt of a visual or instrument approach clearance.
When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the nearer runway, approved separation is maintained or pilot-applied visual separation is provided by the succeeding aircraft until intercepting the farther adjacent extended runway centerline.
Provided that aircraft flight paths do not intersect, when the provisions of subparagraphs (a),(b), or (d) are met, it is not necessary to apply any other type of separation with aircraft on the adjacent extended runway centerline.
When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the farther runway, the succeeding aircraft must be assigned a heading that will intercept the extended centerline of the nearer runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees. Approved separation must be maintained or pilot-applied visual separation must be provided by the succeeding aircraft until it is established on the extended centerline of the nearer runway.
NOTE
1. The intent of the 30 degree intercept angle is to reduce the potential for overshoots of the extended centerline of the runway and preclude side‐by‐side operations with one or both aircraft in a “belly‐up” configuration during the turn. Aircraft performance, speed, and the number of degrees of the turn are factors to be considered when vectoring aircraft to parallel runways. 2. The 30‐degree intercept angle is not necessary when approved separation is maintained until the aircraft are established on the extended centerline of the assigned runway. 3. Variances between heading assigned to intercept the extended centerline of the runway and aircraft ground track are expected due to the effect of wind and course corrections after completion of the turn and pilot acknowledgment of a visual approach clearance. 4. Procedures using Radius‐to‐Fix legs that intercept final may be used in lieu of the 30‐degree intercept provisions contained in this paragraph.
Parallel runways separated by 4,300 feet or more.
When aircraft are approaching from opposite base legs, or one aircraft is turning to final and another aircraft is established on the extended centerline for the adjacent runway, approved separation is provided until the aircraft are:
Assigned a heading or established on a direct course to a fix or cleared on an RNAV/instrument approach procedure which will intercept the extended centerline of the runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees, and,
One of the aircraft has been issued and the pilot has acknowledged receipt of the visual approach clearance.
When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the nearer runway, approved separation is maintained or pilot-applied visual separation is provided by the succeeding aircraft until intercepting the farther adjacent extended runway centerline.
Provided that aircraft flight paths do not intersect, when the provisions of subparagraphs (a), (b), or (d)are met, it is not necessary to apply any other type of separation with aircraft on the adjacent extended runway centerline.
When aircraft are approaching from the same side of the airport and the lead aircraft is assigned the farther runway, the succeeding aircraft must be assigned a heading that will intercept the extended centerline of the nearer runway at an angle not greater than 30 degrees. Approved separation must be maintained or pilot-applied visual separation must be provided by the succeeding aircraft until it is established on the extended centerline of the nearer runway.
NOTE
1. The intent of the 30 degree intercept angle is to reduce the potential for overshoots of the extended centerline of the runway and preclude side-by-side operations with one or both aircraft in a “belly-up” configuration during the turn. Aircraft performance, speed, and the number of degrees of the turn are factors to be considered when vectoring aircraft to parallel runways. 2. The 30‐degree intercept angle is not necessary when approved separation is maintained until the aircraft are established on the extended centerline of the assigned runway. 3. Variances between heading assigned to intercept the extended centerline of the runway and aircraft ground track are expected due to the effect of wind and course corrections after completion of the turn and pilot acknowledgment of a visual approach clearance. 4. Procedures using Radius-to-Fix legs that intercept final may be used in lieu of 30-degree intercept provisions contained in this paragraph.
Visual approaches may be conducted to one runway while visual or instrument approaches are conducted simultaneously to other runways, provided the conditions of subparagraph (a), (b), or (d) are met.
Intersecting and converging runways. Visual approaches may be conducted simultaneously with visual or instrument approaches to other runways, provided:
Approved separation is maintained until the aircraft conducting the visual approach has been issued, and the pilot has acknowledged receipt of, the visual approach clearance.
When aircraft flight paths intersect, approved separation must be maintained until visual separation is provided.
NOTE
Although simultaneous approaches may be conducted to intersecting runways, staggered approaches may be necessary to meet the airport separation requirements specified in paragraph 3-10-4, Intersecting Runway/Intersecting Flight Path Separation.
REFERENCE
FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-7-3, Separation. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-8-3, Separation. FAA Order JO 7110.65, Para 7-9-4, Separation.
7-4-5 CHARTED VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURES (CVFP). USA/USN NOT APPLICABLE
Clear an aircraft for a CVFP only when the following conditions are met:
There is an operating control tower.
The published name of the CVFP and the landing runway are specified in the approach clearance, the reported ceiling at the airport of intended landing is at least 500 feet above the MVA/MIA, and the visibility is 3 miles or more, unless higher minimums are published for the particular CVFP.
When using parallel or intersecting/converging runways, the criteria specified in paragraph 7-4-4, Approaches to Multiple Runways, are applied.
An aircraft not following another aircraft on the approach reports sighting a charted visual landmark, or reports sighting a preceding aircraft landing on the same runway and has been instructed to follow that aircraft.
PHRASEOLOGY
(Ident) CLEARED (name of CVFP) APPROACH.
7-4-6 RNAV VISUAL FLIGHT PROCEDURES (RVFP)
RNAV Visual Flight Procedures (RVFPs) are special procedures flown in VMC and clear of clouds and used by authorized operators only. Clear an aircraft for an RVFP when:
Requested by the pilot, or if necessary, as addressed in a Letter of Agreement (LOA).
The pilot reports the airport in sight or, at locations with an operating control tower, the preceding aircraft in sight.
An altitude is assigned at or above the MVA/MIA, before issuing an approach clearance when conducting an RVFP. The pilot should join the RVFP at the beginning of the charted procedure, or if necessary, may join at another waypoint along the path of the charted procedure, except for waypoints beginning or within an RF leg.
The official weather at the airport of intended landing indicates VFR and should meet or exceed the ceiling and visibility specified on the RVFP.
The published name of the RVFP and the landing runway are specified in the approach clearance.
PHRASEOLOGY
(Ident) CLEARED RNAV VISUAL RUNWAY (number) APPROACH
NOTE
Refer to the facility RVFP LOAs, if applicable, to determine the authorized operators.
REFERENCE
FAA Order 8260.60, Special Procedures.
7-4-7 CONTACT APPROACH
Clear an aircraft for a contact approach only if the following conditions are met:
The pilot has requested it.
NOTE
When executing a contact approach, the pilot is responsible for maintaining the required flight visibility, cloud clearance, and terrain/obstruction clearance. Unless otherwise restricted, the pilot may find it necessary to descend, climb, and/or fly a circuitous route to the airport to maintain cloud clearance and/or terrain/obstruction clearance. It is not in any way intended that controllers will initiate or suggest a contact approach to a pilot.
The reported ground visibility is at least 1 statute mile.
A standard or special instrument approach procedure has been published and is functioning for the airport of intended landing.
Approved separation is applied between aircraft so cleared and other IFR or SVFR aircraft. When applying vertical separation, do not assign a fixed altitude but clear the aircraft at or below an altitude which is at least 1,000 feet below any IFR traffic but not below the minimum safe altitude prescribed in 14 CFR section 91.119.
REFERENCE
14 CFR Section 91.119, Minimum Safe Altitudes: General. 14 CFR Part 194, Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) No. 120-Powered‐Lift Subpart C, 194.302 Provisions Under Part 91 Applicable to Powered‐Lift.
An alternative clearance is issued when weather conditions are such that a contact approach may be impracticable.
PHRASEOLOGY
CLEARED CONTACT APPROACH, And if required, AT OR BELOW (altitude) (routing). IF NOT POSSIBLE, (alternative procedures), AND ADVISE.